CKFCar Known Faults

Peugeot 207 1.6 HDi 90bhp Known Faults

1.6 HDi 90bhp2006–2012DieselManualHatchback18 known faults

The PSA 1.6 HDi is an excellent engine but needs DPF care. Timing belt interval is only 60,000 miles — many UK owners miss it.

What To Check Before Buying

  • ✓Check service history — was oil changed regularly?
  • ✓Look for blue/black smoke on startup and under load
  • ✓Listen for rattles, knocking, or turbo whine
  • ✓Test all electrics including windows, AC, and central locking
  • ✓Check for DPF warning light or recent regenerations
  • ✓Inspect for rust underneath and around wheel arches
  • ✓Request a pre-purchase inspection by an independent mechanic

Known Faults

Timing Belt Failure (60,000 Mile Interval)

Critical
2006-20121–60,000 miles£300–£600

The PSA 1.6 HDi engine has a 60,000-mile or 4-year timing belt interval — much shorter than most competitors. Belt failure destroys the engine. Many 207 owners are unaware of this critical maintenance item.

Turbo Oil Starvation and Destruction

Critical
2006-201260,000–120,000 miles£700–£1200

The 1.6 HDi (DV6) engine is infamous for destroying turbos. The cause is almost always oil sludge blocking the tiny gauze filter in the turbo oil feed pipe.

Injector Seal Leak (Chuffing / Black Death)

Severe
2006-201250,000–100,000 miles£150–£600

Copper injector seals fail, allowing exhaust gases and unburnt diesel to escape and coat the top of the engine in a hard black tar affectionately known as 'Black Death'.

Camshaft Chain Tensioner Wear (16v models)

Severe
2006-201080,000–140,000 miles£400–£600

On the 16-valve versions of the 1.6 HDi, there is a small timing chain connecting the two camshafts (driven by the main cambelt). The chain tensioner wears, causing a rattle and potential timing slip.

Alternator / Smart Charge System Failure

Severe
2006-201270,000–120,000 miles£250–£450

Modern vehicles use smart charging systems to reduce engine load, but the complex regulators on the alternators frequently fail.

Starter Motor Solenoid / Brush Wear

Severe
2006-201270,000–130,000 miles£150–£350

The starter motor wears out internally. This is particularly common on vehicles equipped with Stop/Start systems.

Clutch Slave Cylinder / Concentric Bearing Leak

Severe
2006-201270,000–120,000 miles£400–£800

The concentric slave cylinder (CSC) inside the gearbox bellhousing fails, leaking hydraulic fluid and causing clutch failure.

Suspension Coil Spring Snapping

Severe
2006-201260,000–120,000 miles£150–£300

A very common MOT failure in the UK. Suspension coil springs corrode and snap, usually near the bottom pigtail.

DPF Blockage and Eolys Fluid Depletion

Moderate
2006-201260,000–100,000 miles£200–£500

Peugeot uses a wet DPF system requiring an additive (Eolys/Cerine fluid) to lower the burning temperature of soot. The fluid runs out, or the DPF blocks from short trips.

Sticking Brake Calipers (Slider Pins Seized)

Moderate
2006-201240,000–100,000 miles£80–£150

The floating brake caliper design relies on sliding pins. In the UK climate, salt and water ingress cause these pins to rust and seize solid.

Wheel Bearing Wear and Drone

Moderate
2006-201250,000–110,000 miles£120–£250

Wheel bearing wear is a normal consumable on UK roads, but frequent pothole strikes accelerate the failure rate significantly.

Glow Plug Failure / Snapping in Head

Moderate
2006-201260,000–110,000 miles£100–£300

Diesel glow plugs burn out over time causing cold starting issues. The major problem is they often snap in the cylinder head when mechanics try to remove them.

Shock Absorber Oil Leak and Failure

Moderate
2006-201270,000–120,000 miles£200–£400

Shock absorbers lose their damping efficiency over time, and eventually blow their seals, leaking hydraulic fluid.

Air Conditioning Condenser Leak (Stone Damage)

Minor
2006-201240,000–120,000 miles£250–£450

The air conditioning condenser is mounted at the very front of the cooling pack, making it highly susceptible to stone damage from the road, leading to refrigerant loss.

Front Anti-Roll Bar Drop Link Wear

Minor
2006-201230,000–80,000 miles£60–£120

The front anti-roll bar drop links wear out on heavily potholed UK roads, causing an annoying knocking sound at low speeds.

Electric Window Regulator Cable Failure

Minor
2006-201250,000–120,000 miles£100–£200

The cables inside the electric window regulator mechanism fray and snap, causing the window glass to drop into the door frame.

Engine Thermostat Sticking Open

Minor
2006-201260,000–120,000 miles£100–£250

The engine coolant thermostat fails in the 'open' position. The engine never reaches its optimal operating temperature, killing fuel economy.

12V Battery Degradation and Failure

Minor
2006-201230,000–150,000 miles£80–£250

Lead-acid and AGM batteries have a finite lifespan. Modern cars are highly sensitive to voltage drops, causing bizarre electrical faults before the battery completely dies.

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